Tow Legal - Tow Safe

Oversize Trailers (Caravans)

These travellers were towing trailers (caravans) behind PLG class vehicles with permitted Gross Weights of less than 3,500 kg; accordingly, the maximum permitted trailer width is 2.3m (7' 6"). Both of these trailers (caravans) were 8' 0" wide.

The drivers maintained that they had bought the caravans (earlier this year) in good faith. On the assumption that the seller (a professional caravan dealer) has a Duty of Care to the buyer, it can be appreciated that the buyer may be totally unaware of the relevant details of the transport legislation; however, it is the drivers responsibility to comply with the law.

It must also be appreciated that the insurance cover on the vehicles may be void, if the vehicles in question fail to comply with the relevant legislation.

The drivers of these vehicles were allowed to proceed, having been issued with a caution.

A different trailer (also a caravan) was found to be in excess of the allowable width and length, when being towed by a similar vehicle. The length of the habitation space (the draw-bar being excluded in accord with the legislation) was in excess of 7.0m (which is the maximum allowed).

In this instance, the driver was advised to acquire a more suitable vehicle (e.g. one with a Gross Weight in excess of 3,500 kg ), so he hired a 7.5 tonner in order to continue North to Scotland, to visit relatives.

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